Opening ceremony of the Capital Museum of China’s Exhibition: GENEVA AT THE HEART OF TIME – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture”

May 2015

On April 23rd 2015, the exhibition “Geneva at the Heart of Time – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture” organised by the Capital Museum, China in collaboration with the Museum of Art and History, Geneva and Vacheron Constantin was officially opened at the Capital Museum, China.

In the context of the 65th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and the People’s Republic of China, it is the first ever Swiss horological exhibition in the Capital Museum.

With about 350 exhibits including antiques clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches, the exhibition displays the history and excellence of Swiss watchmaking and offers a unique view into the haute horlogerie history in Geneva, the cradle of fine watchmaking for more than three centuries. The Museum of Art and History, Geneva presents more than 200 exquisite and precious watches and enamel. The Manufacture Vacheron Constantin also exhibits about 80 exclusive pieces from its heritage collection, including the first-known pocket watch created by Jean-Marc Vacheron, founder of Vacheron Constantin. Artistic craft masters from the Manufacture will also offer visitors a chance to discover the excellence of their techniques handed down across several centuries.

On the occasion of the two countries’ 65th anniversary of bilateral relations, Vacheron Constantin and Museum of Art & History, Geneva have proudly brought together a renowned Swiss designer, Mr. Claudio Colucci and Mr. Zhu Bingren, the great master of bronze craft from China in collaboration of creating a special art piece. This two-meter-tall bronze sculpture, named “The Power of Hands”, depicts two hands in movement and captures the gesture of crafting.

The exhibition will be open to the public from April 24th to August 12th 2015

Left to right: Mr. Guo Xiaoling, Director of the Capital Museum, China, Mr. Jean-Yves Marin, Director of the Art and History Museum, Geneva and Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Left to right: Mr. Guo Xiaoling, Director of the Capital Museum, China, Mr. Jean-Yves Marin, Director of the Art and History Museum, Geneva and Mr. Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Inside “Geneva at the Heart of Time – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture” exhibition.

Inside “Geneva at the Heart of Time – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture” exhibition.

Inside “Geneva at the Heart of Time – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture” exhibition.

Inside “Geneva at the Heart of Time – The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture” exhibition.

The reconstructed 18th century Geneva cabinotiers workshop, based on a painting by Christophe François von Ziegler.

The reconstructed 18th century Geneva cabinotiers workshop, based on a painting by Christophe François von Ziegler.

The process of creating “The Power of Hands” took close to one year to complete. Mr. Zhu Bingren realized the tribute to craft by casting melting bronze with colouring process using heptyl, based on Mr. Colucci’s design.

The process of creating “The Power of Hands” took close to one year to complete. Mr. Zhu Bingren realized the tribute to craft by casting melting bronze with colouring process using heptyl, based on Mr. Colucci’s design.